The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1887-09-29

Tamasese' party and probably the
black labor from the plantations, &c
hunt MalIetoa and his party down.
There can be no doubt that II this course
is adopted much bloedshed and loss OF
lie viii ensue.
WHAT HR. NAPIER SAYS.
Mr. W J. Napier, an AuckIander, who
/ visited Samoa a few months ago IN con-
nection with certain land claims, sends
( the following communication to the Auck-
land Herald .:
The startling intelligence just re-
/ eeived from Samoa Of the declaration of
war against King Maietoa by the Ger
mans il but the logical outcome of the
ruinous laissez fare policy OF the British
Government with regard TO the Pacific
Islands. Having, from considerable per
sonal intercourse with MaIietoa and his
chiefs, been led TO form high estimate
Of the aniabiIity, intelligence and integ-
rity of both King and Government of Sa-
noa, I was absolutely shocked TO read
the account Of the outrage committed BY
the German Commodore upon the peace
and good order Of the Samoan Kingdom.
The conduct Of the Germans is fragrant
breach Of the terms Of the existing treaty
between Germany and MaIietoa, a viola
ton Of the agreement between England.
America, Germany and Samoa, guaran-
teeing the neutrality of the district Of
Apia, in which the Kings residence Is
situated, and recognizing Malietoa as
rightful King, an absolute insult to the
American nation whose flag as protecting
State has foated over MaIietoa' 3 for over
a year, and slap IN the face for England
herself, the vacillation, timidity and .
Observation-Disclosures of whose rulers have
directly led to this causeless and cruel /
war. Over and over again has Germany
acknowledged Malietoa as lawful King,
saluted his flag, made treaties with him
and in every way known to International
law recognized that the rights and priv
leges accorded to established States were
legitimately due to his government, and
now upon the himsy pretezt of street
brawl between some drunken sailors and
samoans, every principle of International
law IS ruthlessly violated and a large
armed force is Landed to spread terror
and death among the humble homes of
been the desire of the SamOans to be an
nexed to the British Empire, and the ex-
preston of this desire has contributed in
no small degree to the lurking hatred of
MaHetoa by the Germans. The annexa-
ton OF the country by Great Britain and
it's incorporation with the colony of New
Zealand was a step which the interests
OF the Empire imperativeIy demanded,
and every sanction which the most rig
orous diplomatic purist might have re-
4uired for such a step existed. The con-
sent of the King and Government, the
Of the commercial interests of
British subjects in the islands and the
strategic Importance of the position as a
of British interests in time of
var. 1t is perfectly certain that such
acts as those Of the German commander
could not have been contempiat as
possible by either Great Britain or Amer
ca at the recent conference at Washing
on, but while they Will probably be off
,ially disavowed by the authorities at
Berlin, the confusion of affairs which will
be created at Samoa will be
AIKEN advantage of as pretext for fur
her strengthening the position of Ger {
many and preparing the way for her
ormal annexation of the islands. As far
IS Tutuila is concerned, it is improbable
hat America Will be a conserving party,
IS she has acquired the harbor of Page
'ago by treaty with the ruling chief of
,utuila.
g A short time ago our Government T
ERE contemplated dispatching the Hine-
loa to Samoa to watch New Zealand in
srests, but were deferred from doing so T
y an ignorant outcry when the project f
ras unseasonabIy disclosed If the Gov
rnment could now temporarily turn aside =
ON election strife, take a patriotic view
their duty even at the risk Of their ex- q
tence as a Government, and send the J
.eamer to Apia at once with a small we'll fl
luipped detachment and discreet rep
perhaps their act might be a
le means Of checking the German ag- n
ression, averting extensive bIoodshed
nd protecting the vital interests Of New :
ealand." q
IOLANI PALACE. fr